How long does NSFAS take to answer appeals?

How Long Does NSFAS Appeal Take

NSFAS appeals take about 30 days to complete. Due to the high volume of appeals received during peak periods, such as the beginning of the academic year, the processing time may be extended.

What Is An NSFAS Appeal?

Before delving into the timeframe, it’s imperative to grasp the concept of an NSFAS appeal. An appeal arises when a student disagrees with a decision made by NSFAS regarding their financial aid application. This could include the rejection of funding, inadequate funding, or other discrepancies in the aid offered.

Understand Reasons for NSFAS Application Rejection

You might be wondering why NSFAS did not accept your application. The answer is that NSFAS checks your eligibility by evaluating your documents and financial state. They check if your documents are complete and verified, or if your grades are according to the set criteria or not.

After the documents are completed, your finances are checked. They confirm if you have given the correct information and if your household income meets the limit. They will consult your institute to see if they have a seat for you. They will confirm your South African citizenship. Moreover, you must sign their bursary agreement. Otherwise, they will not accept you.

When Should You Not Appeal?

The appeal is only for those students meeting the criteria but still did not get the allowance due to some personal or NSFAS error. You can get a rejection message at any point if you have not given the correct information. Therefore, do not appeal if you fit any of the following points.

• You are not a South African citizen.
• Your household total and complete income exceed the limit set by NSFAS.
• Your documents are flawed.
• A university or TVET college did give you admission.
• You were funded for an earlier qualification.
• NSFAS does not accept the course you have applied for.

When Can You Appeal?

There are certain situations where NSFAS will consider your reasons. In case you have a genuine reason for not fulfilling the criteria, then NFAFAS might give you a chance. If you fall under the following conditions, you should appeal.

• On condition that your grades are not up to the mark, but your previous academic record is good, then NSFAS will consider the reasons like death or trauma in immediate family or illness.
• There is a reduction in your total and complete household income, which now matches the income level set by NSFAS.
• If you were getting a bursary scheme previously but now you lost it.
• NSFAS does not have your correct academic results.
• Unlike your previous year, if you have improved your academic results to match the criteria, it would be best to appeal to get the allowance again.
• Unlike your previous one, if you are reapplying for a course that NSFAS accepts.
• Note that you must submit solid proof to support your reasons in the above situations.

NSFAS Appeal Process

If you believe you are eligible and meet the criteria, you should appeal for reevaluation. First, check your application status; if it says ‘unsuccessful,’ you must appeal within 30 days. NSFAS allowance 2023 appeals will close soon. So, the closing date is 20th February 2023. Here is how you can appeal using your myNSFAS portal.

• First, visit this link my.nsfas.org.za.
• Next, log in to your myNSFAS account.
• Then, you will see the ‘application progress tab.’ Click it.
• Then, check the progress of your application and see if it says ‘unsuccessful’ or not.
• You must click the ‘submit appeal’ tab if it is unsuccessful.
• After this, you will be redirected to the application appeal page, where you can see the reasons for your application rejection.
• Then, you will choose a reason for appeal.
• You must write a letter to them telling them how much you need this allowance. Your letter should be no longer than 1000 characters.
• Then, attach all of the supporting documents. Your documents must be verified and authentic otherwise; they will reject again. Documents must be in PDF, PNG, or JPEG. NSFAS does not accept word docs and documents more than 5 megabytes.
• Finally, press on the ‘submit appeal’ tab. You can track your appeal on myNSFAS account.

NSFAS Appeal for Continuing Students

Continuing students can also appeal if they are not receiving an allowance or NSFAS did not select their application. They can consult their institution’s Student Support Office for a closing date. All universities have an appeal committee that will consider your appeal and recommend you to NSFAS. Senior or continuing students can appeal to the Financial Aid or Student Support Office.

1. To proceed with the appeal, visit your institution’s website or myNSFAS website.
2. Download the student appeal form from there. You must fill in the form completely with correct and authentic information.
3. Afterward, attach an affidavit and complete supporting documents. Make sure your documents are verified.
4. In the end, write a letter.

Reasons For NSFAS Appeal Process

The NSFAS appeal system provides an opportunity for students to challenge a decision made by NSFAS about their financial aid application. The NSFAS appeal can be submitted for various reasons, including:-

Financial exclusion:

• A rise in your income has resulted in you crossing the income threshold.

Academic progress:

• You’ve fulfilled the academic criteria.
• Other concerns arising from your application that resulted in the rejection or withdrawal of funding.

Who Qualifies For NSFAS Appeal?

The following two categories of students can submit an appeal to NSFAS on funding decision:

1. Students whose initial application for financial aid was rejected: In this category, any student who applied for the first time for NSFAS funding and could not qualify for financial assistance received a rejection notification.
2. Continuing students whose financial aid was withdrawn:

NSFAS funding can be halted for different reasons, including failure to meet academic progress requirements or a change in financial status. Therefore, when you fall into these two categories, you can submit an appeal and request a review of your NSFAS funding decision.

Who Cannot Appeal?

These are the categories of students who cannot submit an appeal for NSFAS funding decisions. Let’s explore it.

1. Students enrolled in non-funded qualifications:

• Students should first remember that NSFAS only provides funds for specific qualifications at accredited institutions. The applicant must also be enrolled in a program that is not supported by NSFAS to be considered for funding.

2. Students exceeding the N+2 (or N+3) limit:

NSFAS supports your studies through funding for a certain period. This organization has rules about how long it will entertain in each course. Let’s find out now:-

• You should remember its terms, as your course normally “takes N” years to complete. This is the standard time for this course.
• NSFAS will support you for “N” years, and with the addition of two more years, your case will go wrong. You may fail a year or need extra time for your course for any reason.
• In the last category of this system, if you’re a disabled student, NSFAS is more caring. The NSFAS system will offer you “N” years to complete your course like other students, but they will add three (N+3)years instead of two years. The extra time from NSFAS shows its commitment to ensuring love for you, and you can complete your studies without any haste, even if matters don’t move as planned.

3. Gap year students previously denied for academic reasons:

• It’s important to note that gap year students who were previously denied NSFAS funding because they did not entertain due to meeting the academic eligibility criteria will not be able to appeal.

4. Issues related to institutional registration:

• The institution where you study should have submitted your registration record to NSFAS or submitted an inaccurate record; this issue is not appealable. You must take responsibility and contact your institution directly to resolve the registration and record problems, etc.

How Do You Submit an Appeal? Complete NSFAS Appeal Process

If you still need NSFAS funding and believe that you’re eligible and meet the criteria, you can appeal for a re-evaluation of your case. First, check your application status. Keep in mind that you must appeal within 30 days of your case’s rejection. Here is the complete method for appealing using your myNSFAS portal.

• Search on Google for this link: my.nsfas.org.za. And proceed further.
• Now, log in to your myNSFAS Account.
• After this, you’ll see the option “application progress” and click on it.
• See the progress of your application, whether it is unsuccessful or not.
• If you’re declared unsuccessful, then click on the “submit appeal” tab.
• You’ll be redirected to the application appeal page after this, where you can know the reasons for your application rejection.
• Now, here you’ll choose a reason for an appeal.
• You must know how to tell your case and how much you need this allowance for your studies. Your letter within 1000 characters is enough.
• Then, you must attach all the supporting documents relevant to your case. Your documents must be duly verified and authentic in all aspects; otherwise, your case will be rejected again.
• Then, attach all of the supporting documents. Your documents must be verified and authentic; otherwise, they will be rejected again. Documents must be submitted in either PDF, PNG, or JPEG formats. NSFAS does not accept Word documents or files larger than 5mbs.
• Finally, click on the ‘submit appeal’ option. You can now view the status of your appeal and track it through your myNSFAS account.

What Supporting Documents Do You Need When Submitting An NSFAS Appeal?

Depending on the reason for your rejection, you may need to provide these important supporting documents while filing an appeal.

• Appeal Letter: A solid and well-written appeal letter explaining your reasons for the appeal and any relevant support documents.
• Financial Documents: Financial document provision will strengthen your case. You must submit financial documents that reflect your financial situation, such as bank statements, proof of income (if applicable), proof of unemployment (if applicable), and any other relevant documents.
• Academic Records: You must submit copies of your educational transcripts, matric results, or any other educational qualifications that show your academic performance and progress.
• Personal Statement:  A well-written personal statement explaining any event, circumstances, or challenges you’ve faced that affected your educational progress or financial hurdle in the way of your progress.
• Supporting Documentation for Special Circumstances:  If you’re supposed to have a special case (medical issues, family emergencies, or personal challenges), you must submit complete supporting documents while appealing.
• Proof of Registration: You must submit proof of registration that confirms your registration or a letter of acceptance from a recognized public higher education institution.